Sensor system for multi-component fluids

Abstract

A small scale and low cost spectral sensing system designed primarily for multi-component fluids that provides a compact, low cost platform for analyzers or chemical sensors with limited number of optical and mechanical components featuring a light source, an optical interface with the sample, and a custom detector (multi-element). A single detector element has a specific wavelength, defined by a filter that can be used to select and measure specific chemical compounds. Multiple detector elements are combined to create a multi-channel detector capable of measuring a broad range of wavelengths from ultraviolet (UV) to near and mid-infrared wavelengths. The fabricated sensor can be configured for almost any class of material including gases, vapors, and liquids, with extension to solids. This is linked to the use of the custom detectors featuring filters tailored to specific substances in a broad spectral range from the UV to infrared.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A remote sampling sensor for determining characteristics of a sample, comprising:
 measurement optics, the measurement optics comprising:
 a light emitter; 
 a light guide receiving light from said light emitter; 
 a detector system; and 
 integrated electronics; and 
 
 an insertion probe, the insertion probe comprising:
 a chamber, the chamber being configured to permit the sample to enter said chamber; 
 a retro-reflective optic, the retro-reflective optic being configured to return the light from said light emitter through the chamber to said detector system; and 
 an insertion tip at a distal end of the insertion probe, the retro-reflective optic being adjacent the insertion tip, 
 
 wherein the insertion probe is remotely located from the measurement optics. 
 
     
     
       2. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the insertion tip is disposable and is replaceable with another disposable insertion tip to permit measurement of fluid without contamination from a previous measurement. 
     
     
       3. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , configured for sensing properties of milk. 
     
     
       4. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , configured for sensing a fat content of milk. 
     
     
       5. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , configured for sensing properties of dairy products. 
     
     
       6. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , configured for sensing properties of oils. 
     
     
       7. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , configured for sensing properties of one of seed oils and vegetable oils. 
     
     
       8. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , configured for sensing properties of olive oil. 
     
     
       9. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , configured for sensing properties of alcohol. 
     
     
       10. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , configured for sensing properties of drugs. 
     
     
       11. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , wherein said chamber is an adjustable measurement chamber. 
     
     
       12. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , wherein said light guide is solid. 
     
     
       13. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , wherein said light guide comprises a hollow conduit. 
     
     
       14. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , comprising a fiber optic cable configured to return said light to the detector system. 
     
     
       15. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , wherein said detector system comprises at least one detector element having an optical filter configured to detect a pre-determined wavelength intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by said light source. 
     
     
       16. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , wherein said light emitter is a broadband light source. 
     
     
       17. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , wherein said detector system is configured to have multi-wavelength detection. 
     
     
       18. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , wherein said light emitter emits a wavelength between about 10 nm and about 26000 nm. 
     
     
       19. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , further comprising a coupling apparatus configured to couple the light from the light emitter and the detector system to said chamber. 
     
     
       20. The remote sampling sensor of  claim 1 , wherein said detector system has a plurality of detector elements, each element having a unique optical filter configured to detect a unique wavelength intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by said light source. 
     
     
       21. A remote sampling sensor for determining characteristics of a sample, comprising:
 measurement optics, the measurement optics comprising:
 a light emitter; 
 a light guide receiving light from the light emitter; 
 a detector system; and 
 integrated electronics, 
 wherein the measurement optics are remote and isolated from the sample; and 
 
 an insertion probe, the insertion probe being remote from and operably coupled to the measurement optics, the insertion probe comprising:
 an insertion tip at a distal end of the insertion probe; 
 a retro-reflective optic, the retro-reflective optic being proximal of the insertion tip and being configured to return the light from the light emitter to the detector system; and 
 a chamber, the chamber being proximal of the retro-reflective optic and being configured to permit the sample to passively move through the chamber.